Scram scammers!

Brooke Konopacki's picture
Posted July 22, 2008 - 8:54am by Brooke Konopacki

There are so many services out there to help in the college search process.  Services range from helping you get into college to paying for college.  Many services are great services but there are others that are out to scam you.  There are some great tips on when to not use certain services. 

Do not use a service if:

  • A fee is charged for a service
  • They guarantee their services will work
  • There is not a mailing address for their headquarters
  • The offer is too good to be true
  • You receive notice of being a "finalist" in a competition you didn't enter

Going to college is about learning and empowering yourself.  That process starts before you even get to college, so be smart and use good judgment.  Listen to your instincts!

If you get scammed be sure to report it to the Better Business Bureau.

 

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Mark Montgomery's picture

Bogus Nominations: Beware!

by Mark Montgomery - Sep 4 2008 - 10:04pm

Brooke points out that college-bound students--and their families--are targets for scammers.

One other that I'd highlight is the organizations that list you as having been nominated for this or that award, but then charge you a fee to be "listed" or to receive the "certification" of that award.

Throw that stuff in the circular file. If you're unsure about it, ask an experienced college counselor (send me an email--I help you sniff out the scammers!).

One of the problems with these bogus awards is that the organizations that plan to fleece you of $50 or $60 bucks actually enlist unwitting teachers and counselors to "recommend" you to them. The scammers tell the teachers/counselors they want a list of their best students to offer them a prize. Then the teachers dutifully hand over your contact information.

Voilà. A scam is born.

So be careful.

Mark Montgomery
http://greatcollegeadvice.com

Mark Montgomery
Independent College Counselor
http://greatcollegeadvice.com

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About the Blogger

Brooke Konopacki is the Vice President for Student Access at Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Madison, Wisconsin.   She travels to high schools and community organizations to speak on access to college, specifically targeted to first generation and low income students and families.  She is an active member of both the Wisconsin Association for College Admission Counseling and the National Association of College Admission Counseling.